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Maryland Bereavement Leave Law (2026)

Whether Maryland requires time off to grieve and handle a death, how many days, and whether that time is paid.

Leave required Verified Jul 6, 2026
Compiled and verified by David Scott · Verified Jul 6, 2026

Maryland requires employers with 15 or more employees to let you use your accrued paid leave, such as sick or vacation time, as bereavement leave for the death of a spouse, parent, or child.

Bereavement leave in Maryland

Required?
Yes
How much
Use accrued leave
Paid?
Paid (via accrued leave)
Applies to
15+ employees

Good to know

Even where the law does not require it, most employers offer some bereavement leave, commonly three to five days for an immediate family member. If your state has no mandate, you may be able to use paid sick leave, PTO, or, if the loss affects your health, the federal FMLA. Ask your employer what their written policy allows. This is general information, not legal advice.

Common questions

Maryland bereavement leave FAQ

Does Maryland require bereavement leave?
Yes. Maryland requires employers with 15 or more employees to let you use your accrued paid leave, such as sick or vacation time, as bereavement leave for the death of a spouse, parent, or child.
How many days of bereavement leave do you get in Maryland?
Use accrued leave per the state law. Maryland requires employers with 15 or more employees to let you use your accrued paid leave, such as sick or vacation time, as bereavement leave for the death of a spouse, parent, or child.
Is bereavement leave paid?
In Maryland, the leave is: Paid (via accrued leave).
Does the FMLA cover bereavement?
Not directly. The federal FMLA does not give time off simply to grieve, but it can apply if the loss leads to a serious health condition, such as depression, that needs treatment.
David Scott

David Scott compiles and verifies minimum wage rates, tipped wages, and overtime rules from official state and federal labor department sources, and re-checks every page when rates change. See how the data is sourced.